Fear and Loathing in the Joint: The Impact of Race and Age on Inmate Support for Prison AIDS Policies

Abstract

The get tough on crime movement and the war on drugs have resulted in a changing inmate demographic in this country. More people are being incarcerated for longer periods of time. Many inmates are members of groups at high risk for AIDS, such as minorities, the young, and drug users. This article examines the current correctional AIDS policies of mandatory testing, segregation, and notification. In particular, the authors focus on inmate attitudes toward these policies and the impact of race/ethnicity and age on fear of AIDS in prison and support for AIDS policies.